Swinging Bridge dam
Swinging Bridge
Swinging Bridge is a historic hydroelectric dam located in Sullivan, New York, along the picturesque Mongaup River. Built in 1930 by Chas. T. Main, Inc., this private structure stands at an impressive height of 135 feet and spans 975 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 37,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,000 acres, Swinging Bridge serves primarily for hydroelectric power generation, but also offers recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy its scenic surroundings.
Maintained and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Swinging Bridge poses a high hazard potential due to its size and location. Although its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Available," the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in November 2020 to ensure preparedness for any unforeseen events. The dam's risk assessment categorizes it as high risk, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard both the structure and the surrounding environment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Swinging Bridge presents a fascinating blend of history, engineering, and environmental impact. As a vital component of New York's energy infrastructure, this dam not only generates clean power but also contributes to the region's water management and recreational opportunities. With its rich heritage and significant role in the local ecosystem, Swinging Bridge remains a symbol of human ingenuity and the delicate balance between harnessing natural resources and preserving ecological integrity.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Swinging Bridge -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Mongaup River At Mongaup Valley Ny | 65 cfs | → |
| Mongaup River Near Mongaup Ny | 205 cfs | → |
| Neversink River At Bridgeville Ny | 136 cfs | → |
| Shohola Creek Near Walker Lake | 58 cfs | → |
| Delaware R Above Lackawaxen R Nr Barryville Ny | 2,590 cfs | → |
| Neversink River At Godeffroy Ny | 300 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Swinging Bridge .
Boat launches
- Starlight Road 55, Monticello
- Plank Road Town Of Forestburgh
- Zane Grey
- Butler Court Town Of Mamakating
- Town Of Mamakating
- Matamoras
Track Swinging Bridge in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Swinging Bridge
Where does the data for Swinging Bridge come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Swinging Bridge .